“Like Cannavaro today”: Haaland praises Bernardo Silva after gritty City triumph vs Arsenal | OneFootball

Erling Haaland has jokingly likened Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva to Fabio Cannavaro after the midfielder's defensive work in the club's 2-1 win over Arsenal.

Manchester City closed to within three points of Arsenal in thePremier League title race after an epic win at the Etihad. Rayan Cherki and Haaland scored the goals for the Blues, who can move top of the table with a win in midweek.

Haaland scored the decisive goal, but the Norwegian was keen to pay tribute to City captain Silva. The Portugal international will leave the Citizens at the end of the current campaign, but is determined to end his nine-season spell with title success.

The midfielder made a number of vital interceptions as City held on for a win, including one last-man challenge to deny Kai Havertz.

The diminutive Silva then beat Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres in an aerial battle to clear a cross, and Haaland joked that the playmaker resembled Italian great Cannavaro at the Etihad.

"I remember that cross, when he headed it out, I told him he was like Cannavaro today," Haaland said toSky Sports.

"I'm not going to make it emotional but Bernie, you were really good as usual."

Haaland had his own battle with Arsenal defender Gabriel, a recurring theme in recent clashes between the teams. Both players were booked after going head-to-head in the second half, with Gabriel fortunate to escape red for thrusting his forehead into the Norwegian.

Haaland said he was pleased to have 'won the battle' after scoring what could prove to be a crucial winner.

"I think it's always like this, a lot of fighting and things like this. It's up to others to decide if I won that battle or not. I scored the goal so I won the battle in that moment, it was a great goal, it was a decisive moment and we win."